Russian troops have started tactical military exercises at Russia's Lyaur military test field near the Tajik capital, Dushanbe.

According to Russia's Central Military District, the 201st Motorized Rifle Division's mountain infantry troops are involved in the maneuvers that started on September 19 and are scheduled to last until the weekend.

Some 800 troops will focus on practicing camouflage and reinforcing positions in the mountains, crossing minefields, and special combat tasks using mountain equipment.

Russia's 201st Division and its approximately 7,500 troops use three Tajik bases, one near Dushanbe and two in the southern cities of Kulob and Qurghon-Teppa.

It is the largest deployment of Russian troops abroad. Dushanbe and Moscow are currently negotiating a possible extension of the 201st Division's deployment in Tajikistan beyond 2014.